After all, when patients hear about the changes I’m suggesting, they sometimes become overwhelmed. I remind them there are always multiple ways to achieve optimal health – there is no one way, and certainly no wrong way!

The key is to know yourself: how much change can you tolerate at once?

If you’re thinking of cutting back on gluten, for example, you might start by making just one meal each day gluten-free. Or you could start by cutting down gluten by 50 percent. Or you might, say, “I’m in this all the way!” and throw out all the gluten in your kitchen at once.

Which choice is right for you? That depends on your individual temperament, the current state of your health, and your life circumstances.

The important thing is for you to understand what your body needs and then feel empowered to take charge of the process of change at your own pace.

The overall goal, after all, is to achieve long-lasting optimization of your health, not a short-lived start followed by a year of stress about your health.

Tips to creating a resolution that lasts all year:

▪ First clarify your values and goals▪ Consider how you best implement change in your life▪ Identify doable steps that you know you can accomplish▪ Keep your written goals and steps where you can see them▪ Assess your progress, adjust and keep going

I find that the more you understand about yourself, your body, and what it needs to be well, the easier it is to implement change. That’s why these are important concepts in The Stress Remedy book.

What do you find helps you achieve your goals? Please do share your thoughts below.

Here’s to your 2014!!

May it be shiny and bright, and filled with empowered wellness, naturally.

About Dr. Doni

DR. DONIELLE (DONI) WILSON N.D., is a naturopathic doctor, certified professional midwife, and certified nutrition specialist with more than 20 years’ professional practice. A graduate of Bastyr University, she is the author of widely-acclaimed book The Stress Remedy: Master Your Body’s Synergy & Optimize Your Health. In that book, she redefines "stress" to include toxins, food sensitivities, and imbalanced blood sugar levels, and offers expert guidance on how to reclaim optimal health and fertility. She is a sought-after speaker in the media, and at both public and professional events. Dr. Doni is also the creator of The Stress Remedy 7-Day and 14-Day programs, which support diet change, sleep, exercise and stress reduction. She hosts the podcast Empowering Wellness Naturally and writes a weekly blog at DoctorDoni.com.